Terms of Reference: Structural Advice on a Structural Failure to a Water Harvesting Structure
Organization: Adeso - African Development Solutions
Project: Resilience and Economic Growth in Arid Lands - Improving Resilience (REGAL-IR)
Position Title: Civil Engineer
Position Type: Short-term Consultancy
Reporting to: Technical Advisor – Natural Resource Management
Working with: DCOP, Project Engineer, Turkana REGAL-IR Field Staff
Study /Assessment Topic: To Assess the Reasons for Structural Failure and Come Up with Recommendations to Prevent Failure in the Future Design
Duration: Maximum of 10 Working Days
Starting Date: Immediately
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Adeso is an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian organization. At Adeso, we work with African communities who are yet to realize their full potential; working inside these communities to create environments in which Africans can thrive. Our belief that economic, social and environmental security is the bedrock of a healthy community drives the nature and intent of our programming. We work to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing humanitarian aid, and influencing policy.
For the past 20 years, we have strengthened rural livelihoods through environmental awareness, training, technology transfer and innovative humanitarian projects in pursuit of a peaceful, self-reliant, and greener future. At present, Adeso has programs in Somalia, Kenya and South Sudan. Adeso is an exciting and dynamic organization experiencing managed rapid growth. It offers sound employment conditions with opportunities for personal growth and development.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Resilience and Economic Growth in Arid Lands-Improving Resilience (REGAL-IR) is a 5-year program sponsored by USAID/Kenya and Feed the Future (Ftf) to reduce hunger and poverty, increase social stability and build strong foundations for economic growth amongst pastoralists and transitioning pastoralists in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). The program is designed to empower communities to take charge of their development and to strengthen their capacity to select, design, implement and monitor activities toward increasing their social, economic, and environmental resilience to natural and human-induced shocks.
REGAL-IR is led by Adeso and is implemented by a consortium of partners. An intensive community engagement process - Participatory Learning, Planning and Action (PLPA) – guides program decisions and implementation in six thematic areas including diversifying livelihoods, improving value chain inclusiveness, natural resource management, conflict management and mitigation, disaster risk reduction, and improving nutrition.
This consultancy falls under strategic objective 3 – Natural Resource Management whose goal is to Improve Management and Productivity of Natural Resources by relieving pressure and reduce stress on the environment. To achieve this objective REGAL-IR will revive and strengthen existing Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) structures and improve community based land use planning.
The project provides technical and infrastructural support to develop and/or improve appropriate water sources (e.g. sub-surface/sand dams, underground water tanks, rock catchments, and shallow wells) and rangeland rehabilitation measures (water retention bunds, contour drains, rock dams, diversion of water and retention canals). Local Water Users Associations (WUAs) will also be trained to ensure efficient and effective management of the water sources.
Kosiyae dry sand streams are important water sources for communities of Kapua. The catchment communities utilize these dry sandy riverbeds for their domestic and livestock water needs by digging sand holes to obtain water. During prolonged dry spells, these sand holes dry up leading to water stress for both human and livestock in Kapua as there are no permanent and portable water sources in the area. The stream was identified by communities as important potential sources of water for which they prepared Community Development Action Plans (CDAP).
A technical assessment was conducted that lead to the design of a sand dam in addition to rehabilitation of the shallow well.
OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
- To assess the sand dam damages and the reasons of structural failure and come up with recommendations to prevent failure in future design.
SCOPE OF WORK
The consultant will:
- Review initial sand dam designs, technical specifications, technical drawings, quantity estimates and tender document in adherence to sound engineering standards
· Recommend structural designs that meets the objective of sustainable water harvesting technology for desired service life not withstanding unexpected catastrophic conditions
· Conduct desk review other structures: under-ground tank and Ngarenaiting spring structural deigns, BoQ and give recommendations
DELIVERABLES
· Assessment report
· Recommendations Structural designs, technical drawings including bills of quantities
· Reviewed tender documents
Adeso
- Facilitate community mobilization for public consultation
- provide all relevant information as required
- Tax withholding
- provide office space if need be
ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Overall coordination of the assignment and liaison with any relevant field staff will be ensured by the Adeso Technical Advisor on NRM. The consultant will work closely with the Turkana based Project Officers throughout the length of the consultancy.
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
· Registered Engineer with Kenya Engineers Board
· First degree in civil engineering, structural engineering or other relevant subject
· At least 5 years relevant experience.
· Practical knowledge of water retaining structures.
· Skilled communicator.
DESIRABLE
· Previous Engagements in the region on similar project.
· Previous structural inspection activities.
TIMING
REGAL-IR is in its fourth year of implementation. The consult should mobilize and conduct the inspection as soon as possible upon signing of contract. A total of 5 working days is estimated for completion of the tasks.
TERMS OF PAYMENT
Payment will be made only upon satisfactory delivery of services and approval of the narrative report(s) submitted by the consultant. The consultancy fee will be charged a withholding tax as per organization and government policy.
SCHEDULE OF WORKS AND MAN-DAYS
Activities Level of effort / No of days
Travel days & site assessment 3
Desk review of structures, drawings and tender docs 2
Finalization of report and drawings 2
Total number of days 7
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications should be submitted by 27th May 2016 to consultancy@adesoafrica.org. The selection committee will review all applications as they arrive. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above, and those unable to meet these requirements will not be considered. Adeso is an equal opportunity employer.
Each application package should include the following:
· Evidence of similar work done.
· Updated CV and two references.
